Leg 3: Greenland Explorer
Miles: +800nm
Temperature Range: 3°c – 11°c
Dates: 26 July – 10 August 2025
MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
RYA DAY SKIPPER, CLIPPER LEVEL 1 TRAINING OR EQUIVALENT
Cost: £3250
TALK TO AN EXPERT
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Depending on the weather and ice flow, we will take one of two options; head westward to Tasiilaq or head northwards into the Arctic Circle and to Scoresby Sund. The itinerary below is based on heading to Tasiilaq but you can find the alternative sample itinerary on the Leg 4: Artic Adventure page.
ARRIVAL: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Arrive at Reykjavik Brokey marina between 1700 and 1800 to meet your Skipper and crew.
You will be welcomed aboard and get the chance to familiarise yourself with the boat before heading off for a crew dinner.
DAY 1
EXPEDITION DEPARTURE
This morning will involve a yacht familiarisation and extensive safety brief with your skipper and expedition team in preparation for an early afternoon departure.
Depending on conditions, the afternoon sail will likely consist of a short passage allowing crew to familiarise themselves with sail trimming, winch handling and helming as we start our voyage across the Denmark Strait.
DAYS 2-5
crossing the denmark strait into the ARCTIC CIRCLE
We will sail across the Denmark Strait, following the route of the Vikings who first discovered Greenland. If conditions allow we will cross into the Arctic Circle to become ‘blue noses.’
Along the way, we will likely encounter various sea birds, whales, dolphins, and maybe even icebergs. If heading west, we will aim to reach Tasiilaq, the largest town in East Greenland, by day 5.
DAYS 6-8
TRANQUIL TASIILAQ
Spend a couple of days exploring Tasiilaq and its surroundings by boat and land. Tasiilaq is a colourful and lively town with a rich history and culture. Meet some of the friendly locals and perhaps also join a guide for a hike in the stunning scenery of the nearby mountains, valleys, and glaciers.
DAYS 9-11
EXPLORE THE FJORDS of EAST GREENLAND
We will depart from Tasiilaq and sail back towards Iceland, taking a different route than before. We will try to visit some of the remote and beautiful fjords along the way including (if accessible), Ikateq, home of the abandoned WWII US airbase, ‘Bluie East Two‘ surrounded by towering snowy peaks and iceberg strewn waters.
DAY 14-15
LEG FINISH: Ísafjörður
NOT A CRUISE
The itinerary we provide for our sailing expedition is a guideline that may vary depending on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and other contributing factors.
All SKIRR Adventures itineraries are examples and do not form any part of the contract.
the detail
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All food and accommodation on board (except the evening of joining)
- Use of wet weather gear (jacket and trousers)
- Use of safety equipment including life jacket
- Personal injury & travel insurance for the duration of your leg
What’s not included
- Dinner on arrival night
- Travel to and from the boat for joining and departure
- Any meals ashore
- Visas
- Personal equipment (see packing list)
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Did you know that most of our guests are solo explorers? Sailing is a wonderful way to explore new destinations and make new friends. You’ll never feel lonely on board, as you’ll be part of a friendly and diverse crew.
PERSONAL FITNESS
AGE
To join a SKIRR adventures expedition, you must be at least 18 years old. Our trips are designed for people who love adventure, regardless of their age. We welcome guests from 18-70+. We don’t see age as a barrier, just a number. Come and explore the world with us!
GROUP SIZE
sailing experience
To join this expedition leg, you will need prior recent sailing experience.
This can be one of the following:
- Clipper Race Level 1 Training
- RYA Day Skipper
- Equivalent sailing experience
If you have sailing experience, but no prior qualifications, we will consider your application on a case by case basis. Please contact us with details of your sailing history.
If you have no prior sailing experience, don’t worry… you can still book onto the Clipper Race Level 1 training (below) or work towards your RYA Day Skipper (a globally endorsed qualification).
OPTION 1
CLIPPER RACE: LEVEL 1
Join crew onboard a Clipper Race yacht for an intensive course that prepares aspiring sailors for the challenges of long ocean crossings. The training covers the basics of sailing, safety, teamwork and leadership.
You will be joined by crew looking to take on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, many of whom will have never sailed before, so it’s a fantastic place to begin your sailing journey.
FROM £650* | 7 DAYS
*when purchased with a leg of SKIRR adventures
OPTION 2
RYA DAY SKIPPER
You can obtain your RYA Day Skipper qualification through our preferred training provider, Hamble School of Yachting.
For those with no prior sailing experience, we would recommend that you do your RYA Competent Crew prior to your RYA Day Skipper qualification, where you will be taught the fundamentals of crewing, as well as how to ‘live’ onboard a cruising yacht.
FROM £980 | 9 DAYS +
ACHIEVED RYA COMPETENT CREW?
If you have already achieved RYA Competent Crew or equivalent you may gain the relevant experience required for later legs by sailing on this leg, Leg 1 Western Coves & Scottish Isles.
WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS
Tasiilaq is home to a variety of wildlife, both on land and in the sea. Some of the animals that can be seen in this region are arctic hares, whales, seals, as well as many kinds of different bird species. Tasiilaq is the most populous town on the eastern coast of Greenland, and a gateway to the wilderness of the Sermilik Fjord and the Ammassalik Island. The town offers scenic views of the mountains, glaciers, and colourful houses.
